Rhode Island House Bill H7364

Rhode Island 2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/28/26
• Refer: 1/28/26

Caption

Requires employers to provide each employee of a warehouse distribution center, upon hire, with written description of quotas applicable to the employee within defined time periods and adverse employment action for failure to meet the quota.

Impact

The implementation of HB 7364 would create significant changes to state labor laws, particularly focusing on the rights of warehouse employees. It seeks to ensure that quotas do not infringe upon employees' rights to take necessary breaks for meals, rest periods, or even bathroom use. By explicitly recognizing these needs, the bill would require employers to provide a work environment where safety is prioritized over merely meeting production demands. This legislative effort comes in response to the increasing number of workplace injuries reported in warehouses, especially among populations that depend on these jobs, including marginalized groups.

Summary

House Bill 7364, officially titled the Warehouse Worker Protection Act, aims to establish protections for employees working in warehouse and distribution centers who are subject to work quotas. The bill mandates that employers provide employees a clear written description of the quotas upon hiring. This requirement includes details about the number of tasks to be performed and the time frame for these tasks, along with any potential adverse actions that may result from failing to meet such quotas. The legislation addresses the growing concern over the rise of demanding productivity expectations in the logistics and distribution industry, often at the expense of worker safety and health.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding HB 7364 is the potential conflict between operational efficiency sought by employers and the protective measures for workers included in the bill. Supporters argue that the act is essential for safeguarding the well-being of workers who are pressured to meet unrealistic productivity quotas, often leading to hazardous working conditions. Conversely, some employers and business groups may express concerns that such regulations could increase operational costs and affect overall productivity due to the constraints imposed by the requirement to disclose quotas and ensure compliance with mandatory break times.